Premier League club targeting former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka as they 'explore ambitious' deal

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka has reportedly been presented with the opportunity to return to the Premier League.

The Switzerland international has spent the last two years of his career at the BayArena where he has won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

However, while there is an argument that they were the most impressive two campaigns of the 32-year-old's career, he is best known for his time at Arsenal.

Xhaka made 297 appearances and won two FA Cups during his seven years at the Emirates Stadium before a £21.4m departure.

According to Sky Sports News, there is a realistic possibility of Xhaka returning to English football with one of the newly-promoted clubs.

Premier League minnows target Xhaka

The report alleges that Sunderland are exploring what is described as an 'ambitious move' for the 137-cap international.

Sunderland have already made several big-money additions since winning last season's Championship final, including Senegal international Habib Diarra and Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra.

Nevertheless, Regis Le Bris remains in need of a replacement for Jude Bellingham in the engine room after the England Under-21 international signed for Borussia Dortmund.

There is hope that Noah Sadiki could add steel in that area of that pitch, but bringing in Xhaka would be a real statement of intent from the North-East outfit.

Is Xhaka to Sunderland a realistic possibility?

Journalist Keith Downie of Sky Sports News says that Sunderland are facing competition from clubs in the Saudi Pro League for Xhaka.

Much may depend on where Xhaka sees his future, there still being three years on his Leverkusen contract at a time when they have recently appointed Erik ten hag as their new head coach.

If it emerges that Xhaka is definitely available, the likelihood is that higher-profile European clubs will join the race for his signature.

As a result, Sunderland will feel that they need to move fast for the player. Fellow journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that the Black Cats want to sign Xhaka for a fee in the region of £8.5m.

Written by
Darren Plant